18 Comments
User's avatar
Debra Mullen's avatar

Beautiful storytelling Ilona. I hope he's ok, wherever he is.

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks, Deb. My heart breaks thinking about him. 💔

Expand full comment
Debra Mullen's avatar

Me too. Tears came😔

Expand full comment
mahesh pherwani's avatar

That was the last time I saw him.

Perhaps the sweet kid, Aidan, had no words to express (even if he knew) that he would be leaving for elsewhere, as you related your thoughts of goose thingies attached to your footware.

The Masters of the Universe are benign and shower their good vibrations on Aidan and children everywhere.

Thank you for your very touching writing, share 🙏🏻🧘🏻‍♀️🌌

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

I think you are right, Mahesh. Something was off that day, and that may have been it. Yes, all the vibes on children everywhere! Thanks for your thoughtful comment 🤍

Expand full comment
Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Ilona...beautiful story...beautiful writing...beautiful boy. You brought me to tears.

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks for your kind words, friend.

Expand full comment
Lindsey Dickson's avatar

Oh what a story, it would make a great little indie film. I can't imagine there are many people who would have been so kind as you and your husband, I am sure he will remember you as that kind lady with the lovely dog, Polly. I too am hoping that his life turns out OK, how very lucky we are, Ilona. x

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

Yes, we are lucky by birth, by place, by so many factors out of our control. I hope he has a good life. x

Expand full comment
Kristy Corino's avatar

What a beautiful, moving essay! Aiden was lucky to have you come into his life, even if for a brief time.

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

I hope so. Wish my little buddy only the best things in life🤍

Expand full comment
Cherie Lee's avatar

Oh, Ilona, this is heartbreaking. And yet, you did good befriending him and wherever he is, he remembers you and Polly and your husband.

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

I kind of wish I had given him my phone number, although I don't know that I could have helped him in any practical way. Thanks for your upbeat comment! It's so rainy and gloomy here today.

Expand full comment
Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Such poignant writing. So happy to have come across your words.

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks, Paulette! I look forward to reading yours as well.

Expand full comment
Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you. Nice to meet you here.

Expand full comment
Tom Kuegler's avatar

Ilona, this is beautiful. I read the whole thing. I hope you see him again someday.

Expand full comment
Ilona Goanos's avatar

Yes, me too. Thanks for reading.

Expand full comment